Difference Between Recourse and Non-Recourse Factoring

Factoring is a type of financial arrangement that has become more popular as a substitute for traditional corporate financing. It enables businesses to turn their accounts receivable into quick cash, giving their working capital requirement a much-needed boost. We will examine the main distinctions between two popular types of factoring in this blog post: recourse factoring and non-recourse factoring.

What is Factoring?

Factoring is a financial transaction where a business sells its accounts receivables, typically invoices, to a third-party entity known as a factor. The factor purchases the invoices at a discounted rate, providing immediate cash to the business. The factor then assumes the responsibility of collecting payments from the customers who owe the outstanding invoices.

Importance of Factoring for Business Financing

Recourse and non-recourse factoring are two types of financing arrangements, with non recourse meaning that the factor assumes the risk of customer non-payment. Maintaining consistent cash flow is essential for organizations to run smoothly on a daily basis, control costs, and spur expansion. Dealing with customer payment delays, however, might impede the cash flow cycle and lead to budgetary limitations. The use of factoring accelerates cash flow and lessens dependency on conventional bank loans or lines of credit, providing a workable solution to this issue.

What is Recourse and Non-Recourse Factoring?

There are two primary types of factoring: recourse and non-recourse. 

Recourse factoring, which is increasingly prevalent, entails that any invoices that the factoring company is unable to collect payment for must be purchased back by your business. So, if a client doesn’t pay, the responsibility is yours.

Non-recourse factoring entails that the factoring company bears the majority of the risk associated with your clients’ non-payment. However, non-recourse does not always shield your business from risk. Non-recourse factoring typically comes with conditions, and there are very particular circumstances in which you are not liable for a customer’s non-payment.

For instance, many factoring companies offer non-recourse only in cases of debtor bankruptcy. They might also limit non-recourse agreements to debtors with a good credit rating, excluding those with bad credit ratings (who pose higher non-payment risks). It’s important to think about whether the higher factoring rate is worthwhile because non-recourse agreements typically have higher factoring rates (sometimes by a full percentage point more). Making the best choice for your company means weighing the advantages and restrictions of each form of factoring.

Difference Between Recourse and Non-Recourse Factoring

The main difference between recourse and non-recourse factoring lies in the risk allocation and responsibility for unpaid invoices. Let’s explore these differences in more detail:

Recourse Factoring

In recourse factoring, the factor purchases the invoices from the business but does not assume all the risk. If the customer (account debtor) fails to pay the outstanding invoice, the responsibility for the payment reverts to the business (the seller). The business is then required to buy back the unpaid invoice from the factor or replace it with a different invoice.

In this arrangement, the business is essentially guaranteeing the payment of the invoices to the factor. Recourse factoring provides some protection to the factor against non-payment risk, which is why it is a more common and less expensive option compared to non-recourse factoring.

Key Points of Recourse Factoring

• The business retains the risk of customer non-payment.
• The factor can demand the business to buy back or replace unpaid invoices.
• Usually, resource factoring has lower fees and discount rates compared to non-recourse factoring.

Non-Recourse Factoring

Non-recourse factoring, on the other hand, offers a higher level of risk protection to the business. In a non-recourse agreement, the factor has all responsibility for obtaining payment from the consumer when they buy the invoices. The factor assumes the loss in the event that the customer defaults or is unable to pay the invoice, and the firm is not required to pay the factor back.

This arrangement provides peace of mind to the business, as it reduces the impact of bad debts on their financials. However, due to the higher risk taken on by the factor, non-recourse factoring typically comes with higher fees and discount rates compared to resource factoring.

Key Points of Non-Recourse Factoring

• The factor assumes the risk of customer non-payment.
• The business is not responsible for unpaid invoices in case of customer default.
• Non-recourse factoring provides higher risk protection but may come with higher costs.

Businesses must carefully consider their risk tolerance, the creditworthiness of their customers, and the cost implications when deciding between recourse and non-recourse factoring. Both options can be valuable tools for businesses to improve cash flow and manage working capital, depending on their specific needs and circumstances.

What Happens if a Customer Doesn’t Pay an Invoice You’ve Already Factored?

When a customer doesn’t pay an invoice that has already been factored, the specific outcome depends on whether the factoring arrangement is a recourse or non-recourse factoring.

Recourse Factoring

In recourse factoring, if a customer (account debtor) fails to pay an invoice, the responsibility for the payment reverts to the business (the seller of the invoices). The factor can “recourse” or return the unpaid invoice to the business. This means that the company must either purchase the unpaid invoice from the factor again or issue a new invoice in its stead.

The company is thereafter in charge of obtaining payment from the client and handling any problems relating to non-payment. The company is responsible for paying the unpaid invoice’s financial loss if it is unable to collect payment.

Example of Recourse Factoring

Let’s say a business sells $10,000 worth of invoices to a factor through recourse factoring. If one of the customers fails to pay a $2,000 invoice, the factor may recourse the invoice back to the business. The business must then repay the factor of $2,000 or provide a replacement invoice to cover the amount.

Non-Recourse Factoring

In non-recourse factoring, the factor assumes the full risk of customer non-payment. If a customer fails to pay an invoice, the factor absorbs the loss, and the business is not required to reimburse the factor. The business is not held responsible for unpaid invoices in case of customer default.

Example of Non-Recourse Factoring

In the previous example, if a company uses non-recourse factoring to sell a factor $10,000 worth of invoices, and a customer defaults on a $2,000 invoice, the factor is liable for the loss. The $2,000 owed to the factor by the business is not due because it is the factor’s duty.

It’s important for businesses to carefully review the terms and conditions of their factoring agreement to understand whether they have recourse or non-recourse factoring. The type of factoring can significantly impact the level of risk and financial responsibility the business takes on in case of customer non-payment.

Understanding Terms

Whether your company is considering recourse or non-recourse factoring, it’s essential to have a conversation with a reputable factoring company to understand its terms. You might even find it beneficial to work with a factor that offers both types of factoring. A good factoring company with a strong credit team can also help you avoid dealing with customers who have a history of late payments.

No matter the type of factoring you choose, a reliable factor will always make a diligent effort to collect your invoices. They will start making collection calls to your customers about 40 days after the invoice was sent and continue for several weeks. If, after 90 days, the customer still hasn’t paid, the factor might “recourse” the invoice back to you. However, a good factor should offer solutions to help you cover the cost. They might withhold a portion of future cash advances or deduct cash from your reserve account. The goal is to ensure that dealing with an unpaid invoice doesn’t cause financial hardship for your company because that’s not in your best interest or the factor’s.

Ideally, your company should have customers with good credit and a solid payment history. This way, you can enjoy lower fees for recourse factoring without worrying too much about the risk involved. Having reliable customers benefits both you and your factor in the long run.

Difference Invoice Discounting vs. Recourse Factoring

Recourse and non-recourse factoring, along with invoice discounting, are different methods of financing businesses using their accounts receivable. In recourse factoring, the business retains the risk of non-payment by customers, while in non-recourse factoring, the factor assumes the risk. Invoice discounting, on the other hand, allows the business to borrow money against its outstanding invoices without involving a third-party factor. Each option offers unique benefits and considerations, and businesses should carefully assess their financial needs before choosing the most suitable financing solution.

Conclusion

Choosing between recourse and non-recourse factoring is a crucial decision for businesses seeking financing options. Recourse factoring offers cost-effectiveness, but businesses retain the risk of non-payment. Non-recourse factoring provides higher risk protection but may come with higher costs. Businesses should carefully assess their risk tolerance and customer creditworthiness when deciding between the two. Regardless of the choice, a reliable factor’s support is vital for efficient collections and maintaining healthy cash flow. Ideally, businesses with reliable customers can benefit from lower fees in recourse factoring without exposing themselves to significant risks.